PATH Design Studio

A paving day on site by PATH Design Studio.

Set in front of a beautifully preserved 1950s cream brick home, this project balances heritage character with a refined contemporary update. A new modern garage addition sits comfortably beside the original house — a thoughtful extension that respects the past while introducing clean, modern lines.

At the entry, reclaimed bricks are being laid to form a curved pathway, bringing warmth, texture and a subtle sense of history to the space. The bricks run with the curve of the path, framed by perpendicular edging that keeps the layout crisp and defined.

This project is brought to life by Mick — a highly experienced paver I first met around six years ago, when he completed a complex bluestone repair for us in Balwyn North. We’ve been working together ever since. His craftsmanship has always stood out, with a level of understanding and precision rarely seen in younger installers.

Beside the pathway, the driveway has been completed in bushed and highlighted concrete, laid in a square pattern. Its soft texture and tonal variation create a calm, contemporary contrast to the traditional brick paving.

Each brick is carefully cut on site to follow the curve precisely — and with Mick on the tools, the result speaks for itself. A fantastic job delivered with true craftsmanship.

On site at our Balwyn North project — walking through the details as the garden comes together.

Project highlights:
🌿 Planter Boxes — Fatima Japonica, a Japanese plant that will grow into a soft hedge. It brings a subtle tropical feel and frames the alfresco area beautifully.

💡 Outdoor Lighting — wall lights and step lights are installed along the pathway. At night, this space will be gently lit, guiding movement and adding atmosphere.

⭐ Groundcover Planting — Star Jasmine is already starting to flower, adding softness, fragrance and seasonal interest.

⚽ Open Lawn & Paving Area — an open grass space with surrounding paving, perfect for ball games, relaxing, or simply enjoying greenery as a backdrop.

🌳 Boundary Hedging — a row of Ficus hillii hedge paired with garden lighting. There are six garden lights just in this zone, creating depth and structure after dark.

🍊 Edible Garden — a growing vegetable area with Mandarin and Lemon trees, plus potted vegetables. We’ll be back to see how this space evolves once everything is established.

A garden designed to grow, mature and be enjoyed over time.
We’ll check back in once it’s all

Kew project update 🌿✨
Fast cover or budget-friendly? We’re balancing plant size, growth speed and cost—done right.
Plant palette highlights
• 🎋 3 m Bambusa textilis ’Gracilis‘ (Slender Weavers) — instant privacy
• 🍋🍊 🍐 Fruiting Citrus ’Eureka‘ (Lemon Tree), Citrus reticulata (Japanese Seedless Mandarin) Pyrus ‘Nashi Nijisseiki’ (Asian Pear Tree)— courtyard scent + harvest
• 🌿 Rosmarinus officinalis ’Prostratus‘ (Trailing Rosemary), Nandina domestica ’Moon Bay‘ (Nandina Moon Bay)— year-round structure
• ⭐ Trachelospermum jasminoides (Chinese Star Jasmine)— softens walls, perfumes spring
• 🤍 Hydrangea arborescens ’Annabelle‘ (Purple Hydrangea)— big summer blooms
Want a custom planting plan? DM us.